News for Quality First participants.

Our approach to achieving quality is constantly evolving. This means we occasionally make updates to Quality First along the way. As a current participant, you can keep up with program-wide updates, explore helpful tools, or even rewatch meetings you may have missed—it's all here to help our participants succeed.

Quality First: Understanding Rating Only

Because learning starts from birth, First Things First funds Quality First to help early care and education providers improve the quality of their programs. Since funding is limited, there is a waitlist to participate in Quality First’s system of quality improvement support.

While on the waitlist, a program can participate in Quality First through Rating Only. It includes assessment, star rating and support from a coordinator. 

Benefits of Rating Only

  • Assessment and star rating
    • On-site assessment using nationally recognized tools that evaluate the quality of the classroom or home environment and the quality of the interactions between educators and children
    • Written feedback reports showing where your program’s quality is strong and where improvements can be made
    • Star rating (1-5 stars) based on what research shows is important in early care and education
  • Marketing your program to families
    • Your program is listed on the First Things First provider search for families
    • Your first rating is not public, unless you earn a 3- to 5-star rating
  • Coordinator support
    • Get connected to a coordinator who will share free professional development opportunities and resources for the children and families you serve
    • Get help to answer your questions, including those about assessment reports and other early childhood supports and services
  • Eligibility for extra benefits
    • Enhanced DES reimbursement rates (for 3-5-star rated programs)
    • PEEPS scholarships (Pima County)

Comparison: Quality Improvement Support and Rating Only

Quality Improvement SupportRating Only
✅ Assessment and Star Rating✅ Assessment and Star Rating
✅ Coordinator Support✅ Coordinator Support
✅ Quality Improvement Coaching–
✅ Child Care Health Consultation–
✅ Funding–

What to Expect

If you have applied for Quality First but not yet been invited to Rating Only, your application stays active and we will contact you when opportunities open. Once selected, you’ll get an email from us, followed by a phone call to let you know the next steps.

If you are in Rating Only, you will remain in this participation type and stay on the waitlist for future openings in the system of quality improvement support. An assessor will contact you when it’s time to renew your star rating, as long as funding allows.

Questions?

  • Read the Rating Only Guide to learn more
  • Not sure if you’re in Rating Only? Have other questions?
  • Contact the Quality First Team:
    • 602-771-5000
    • QualityFirst@FirstThingsFirst.org